Light-year to Meter
Convert Light-year to Meter instantly. Free online astronomy unit converter with exact formula, conversion table and FAQ.
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Formula
meter = light-year × 9.46073047e+15
light-year = meter × 1.05700083e-16
Conversion table
| 1 ly | 9.46073047e+15 m |
| 5 ly | 4.73036524e+16 m |
| 10 ly | 9.46073047e+16 m |
| 20 ly | 1.89214609e+17 m |
| 50 ly | 4.73036524e+17 m |
| 100 ly | 9.46073047e+17 m |
| 500 ly | 4.73036524e+18 m |
| 1,000 ly | 9.46073047e+18 m |
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Frequently asked questions
What is the source unit in this conversion?
The source unit is the light-year (ly). A light-year is the distance light travels in one Julian year through a vacuum.
What is the destination unit in this conversion?
The destination unit is the meter (m). The meter is the SI base unit of length.
How do I convert light-year to meter?
Multiply the light-year value by 9.46073047e+15. For example, 10 ly × 9.46073047e+15 = 9.46073047e+16 m.
Is the light-year to meter conversion exact?
Yes. Both units have a fixed, defined relationship to the astronomy converter's distance base unit, so the conversion factor is exact rather than a measured approximation.
Where is this conversion commonly used?
It's used in astronomy, physics, and space science whenever a distance value expressed in light-year needs to be compared with, or reported in, meter.
Can I convert meter back to light-year?
Yes. Multiply the meter value by 1.05700083e-16 to get light-year.
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About this conversion
This page converts light-year (ly) to meter (m) within the astronomy converter.
A light-year is the distance light travels in one Julian year through a vacuum.
The meter is the SI base unit of length.
The formula is meter = light-year × 9.46073047e+15, based on each unit's fixed relationship to the astronomy converter's distance base unit.
The conversion is exact, since it relies on a fixed numerical ratio between the two units rather than a measured or approximate value.
Use the calculator above for instant results, or the table below for common light-year values already converted to meter.